If there’s anyone who embodies true animal magnetism, it’s Jean-Francois Pignon. The French horse trainer doesn’t just work with horses—he seems to communicate with them on a whole other level.

With nothing more than a subtle hand movement, Pignon guides his horses through breathtaking performances, leaving audiences worldwide in awe. From commanding them to rear gracefully on their hind legs to galloping bareback across the arena—often on two horses at once—his shows have become a must-see spectacle.

The seasoned performer, who wowed crowds at the London International Horse Show at Olympia, has been honing his craft since childhood. His journey began with a deep connection to his first horse, Gazelle, when he was just 11 years old.

“My first goal wasn’t to put on a show,” Pignon revealed to CNN. “I simply wanted to communicate with my horse and play with her.” But one small village performance changed everything. “I was incredibly shy, but that day, I knew I had found my calling,” he said.

Now 47 and based in Calvisson, in the South of France, Pignon remains dedicated to his art, training tirelessly while prioritizing his horses’ well-being.

“The hardest moments come when they’re tired or overly excited,” he explained. “My job is to be the maestro—adjusting their energy, knowing when to push and when to ease off.”

His seemingly telepathic connection with his horses continues to astonish onlookers. Jo Peck, a marketing executive for the Olympia event, describes his abilities as nothing short of extraordinary.

“He gets horses to do things no one else can,” she said. “It’s like he has a silent conversation with them. Unlike a show jumper giving commands, his method is something entirely different—almost supernatural.”

And it’s not just one horse he controls—it’s several at once. A skill so rare, so mesmerizing, that it cements Pignon’s place as a true master of his craft.